Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

It may not have the jazziest name (“Industry?”), but this museum perched at the southern end of Lake Shore Drive is full of hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations that make subjects like coal mining and worm farming seem downright fascinating. Start with the cool World War II German submarine and then make your way to the baby-chick hatchery, the world’s largest pinball machine and the whispering gallery. If it all sounds a little eclectic, it is, but it's also fun, and that’s the point.